Bristol-Plymouth Tech Class of 2017 grads show pride, determination

School pride and optimism for a bright, productive future were central themes Saturday during the commencement exercises for the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School Class of 2017.

Charles Winokoor Taunton Gazette Staff Reporter @cwinokoor

TAUNTON — School pride and optimism for a bright, productive future were central themes Saturday during the commencement exercises for the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School Class of 2017.

“I’m confident that we’re destined to achieve great things,” said valedictorian Hailey Langlois, as she addressed a crowd of more than 900 people sitting in folding chairs and bleacher seats inside B-P’s gymnasium.

“Work hard but not too hard, enjoy yourself,” she added.

Langlois at one point referred to former actor and youth-oriented humanitarian Hugh O’Brian, who died last year, for his quote that “every person is created as the steward of his or her own destiny with great power for a specific purpose — to share with others through service and a reverence for life in a spirit of love.”

Class of 2003 B-P graduate and Raynham selectman Joseph Pacheco said the legacy and reputation of the trade school, which was first established in 1967 and now offers 18 programs of study, continues to grow.

“If there’s one constant, it’s our resolve,” said Pacheco, who added that B-P students should take a measure of pride knowing that they “go against the grain” in relation to other traditional high schools.

Pacheco, 32, noted that his own grandfather years before had advised his son not to attend B-P, in the belief it would diminish his chances of being accepted to college.

A graduate of what was then Bridgewater State College, Pacheco urged the 315 graduating seniors to pursue whatever post-high school path best suits them — be it college, a full-time job or serving in the U.S. military.

“Do not deviate. And run for office if you like, as long as it’s not against me,” he joked.

The longest and loudest round of applause during Saturday’s commencement exercise, which began shortly after 11 a.m., was in recognition of the approximately 20 B-P students who stood up to acknowledge that they’re enlisting for military service.

Dr. Alexandre Magalhaes, B-P’s superintendent and school director, praised the Class of 2017 for its “dedication to community,” including food-can collection drives benefiting local needy families as well as residents of Haiti.

Magalhaes also noted some students’ involvement in the program known as DECA — an association that helps prepare high school students for careers as entrepreneurs and in roles involving marketing and management.

Magalhaes identified what he said are three key traits of any B-P graduate: intuition, courage and perseverance.

Class president Malakai Souto said “our potential is endless,” but also noted that each graduate’s next phase of life requires humility and hard work.

“Today we’re at the top of the pinnacle, but now we go back to the bottom to begin our journey,” he said.

Souto went on to cite American author Mark Twain as an inspiration and recalled his quote that “twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

"So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.”

Salutatorian Christopher Tocci led those in attendance in the gym in recitation of the National Anthem.

This year’s recipient of the Charles F. Day Award was Benjamin Fortin. Matthew Giebel was selected as recipient of the Paul W. Coutre scholarship award.

In addition to those in attendance in the gymnasium, more than 200 watched a live feed in B-P’s lecture hall and cafeteria.